L-Acoustics LA4X Owner's Manual
  1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. L-Acoustics Manuals
  4. Recording Equipment
  5. LA4X
  6. Owner's manual

L-Acoustics LA4X Owner's Manual

Hide thumbs Also See for LA4X:
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

See also: Maintenance Manual , User Manual
LA4X
owner's manual (EN)

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading
Need help?

Need help?

Do you have a question about the LA4X and is the answer not in the manual?

Questions and answers

Related Manuals for L-Acoustics LA4X

Summary of Contents for L-Acoustics LA4X

  • Page 1 LA4X owner's manual (EN)
  • Page 2 Document reference: LA4X owner's manual (EN) version 14.1 Distribution date: December 17, 2019 © 2019 L-Acoustics. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the express written consent of the publisher.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Safety................................6 Important safety instructions........................6 Additional important safety instructions....................... 7 Introduction................................ 9 How to use this manual..........................9 Symbols..............................9 LA4X amplied controller.........................10 System components............................11 Technical description............................12 Main features............................12 Internal components........................12 Front and rear panels........................12 Signal processing and amplication......................13 Signal inputs..........................13...
  • Page 4 Power consumption........................21 Heat power calculation........................21 Audio and network cabling........................21 Connection panels.........................21 Analog audio..........................24 Digital audio..........................25 L-NET............................25 AVB............................. 26 Speaker............................26 Operation................................ 27 Powering on............................27 Powering off............................27 Setting to standby mode..........................27 Interpreting the front panel LEDs.......................28 STATUS............................28 L-NET............................
  • Page 5 Troubleshooting and diagnosis......................... 62 Interface issues..........................62 L-NET network issues........................63 Error messages..........................64 Sound issues..........................66 Exploded view............................68 External modules........................... 68 Disassembly and Reassembly procedures....................69 D/R - Grill and foam lter......................69 D/R - Side bracket........................70 D/R - Rear bracket........................71 D/R - Front handles........................72 Specications..............................

  • Page 6: Safety

    Pour déconnecter complètement l'appareil du secteur, débranchez la prise de la che secteur. 17. The main plug of the power supply cord shall remain readily accessible. La prise principale du cordon d'alimentation doit rester totalement accessible. LA4X owner's manual (EN) version 14.1...

  • Page 7: Additional Important Safety Instructions

    This system is intended for use by trained personnel for professional applications. As part of a continuous evolution of techniques and standards, L-Acoustics reserves the right to change the specications of its products and the content of its documents without prior notice.
  • Page 8 Contact L-Acoustics for advanced maintenance. Any unauthorized maintenance operation will void the product warranty. Before sending a product to L-Acoustics for maintenance, save all user presets to les using LA Network Manager. Shipping Use the original packaging for shipping the product, unless it is mounted in a rack with the front and rear panels xed to the rack, as described in this manual.

  • Page 9: Introduction

    Introduction How to use this manual The LA4X owner's manual is intended for all actors involved in the system design, implementation, preventive and corrective maintenance of the LA4X product. It must be used as follows: 1. Read the technical description for an overview of all product elements, their features, and their compatibilities.

  • Page 10: La4X AmpliEd Controller

    Introduction LA4X amplied controller The LA4X is an amplied controller based on a 4-input by 4-output architecture and an exclusive green power module providing maximized efciency. With LA4X, L-Acoustics speakers can get all the benets of self-powered speakers, while keeping the versatility of the separated amplication approach.

  • Page 11: System Components

    Amplied controller with DSP, preset library and networking capabilities Software applications LA Network Manager Software for remote control and monitoring of amplied controllers Refer to the Soundvision help. Refer to the LA Network Manager help. Illustrations LA Network Manager L-Case LA4X owner's manual (EN) version 14.1...

  • Page 12: Technical Description

    Main features Internal components The core of the LA4X is a DSP engine driving four channels of amplication from four inputs. The LA4X also features a ash memory for preset storage and management, high performance A/D-D/A converters and AES/EBU inputs for audio signals, a universal SMPS (Switched Mode Power Supply) with PFC (Power Factor Correction), a front panel user interface, and a 1 Gb/s Ethernet dual port.

  • Page 13: Signal Processing And AmpliCation

    There is no external synchronization mode. The amplied controller's clock runs using its high-precision internal quartz at 96 kHz (or on the clock of the connected AVB input stream on compatible LA4X). This ensures low jitter and high audio quality in live conditions (large cable lengths, large number of amplied controllers) while preventing phase shift, as required for line source systems.

  • Page 14: Dsp Architecture

    • LA4X amplied controllers with HARDWARE INFO ID4 or higher (in MONITORING & INFO menu) support AVB. One AVB stream of up to eight channels may be connected to LA4X. LA4X retrieves up to four channels from this stream. Each Ethernet port uses a high speed data transfer protocol up to 1 Gb/s and supports the IEC 61883-6 AM824 and AAF PCM32 stream formats with stream frequencies of 48 kHz or 96 kHz.

  • Page 15: Power Supply And AmpliEr Section

    100% of the electrical power available with a very high tolerance to unstable mains. The PFC allows the LA4X to deliver as much power from a 10 A line as from a 16 A line on a conventional amp. This represents a reduction of the electrical power requirements (cable gauge, power conditioning, etc.) for substantial...

  • Page 16: Inspection And Preventive Maintenance

    lter are present and not damaged see also Cleanness (p.17) chassis, Lexan plate, LCD screen, connectors are not damaged and LEDs are not damaged LA4X owner's manual (EN) version 14.1...

  • Page 17: Cleanness

    3. Check that the amplied controller is detected as an online Unit. Refer to the LA Network Manager Help. 4. Check that all LA4X in the system run the same version of the rmware, and that it matches with the version of LA Network Manager in use.

  • Page 18: Installation

    Mounting The LA4X is two rack units high (2U) and can be mounted in an EIA-standard 19” rack using the four points on the front panel. Use the xing material provided by the rack manufacturer to mount the controller to the rack front rails.

  • Page 19: Ventilation

    Installation Ventilation To maintain moderate operating temperatures, the LA4X is equipped with two fans providing front to rear airow. Ventilation instructions Install the controller in an open area so that the front and rear panels are located at a minimum distance of 30 cm from any external object or structure.

  • Page 20: Planning The Power Of The Electrical Generator

    LA4X draws 10 A max from 230 V. A typical generator has a power factor of 0.8 and should operate at 70% load for good efciency. The kVA provision for one LA4X should therefore be: (10 A x 230 V) / (0.8 x 70%) = 4.1 kVA This calculation is an example using typical values.

  • Page 21: Power Consumption

    Heat power calculation If a 4 Ω load is connected to each output channel of the LA4X, each channel delivers up to 1000 W. With a standard use at 1/8 of full power (9 dB headroom), the power delivered per channel is: 1000 / 8 = 125 W, so a total power of 4 x 125 = 500 W.
  • Page 22 OUT 1 1+ 1- 2+ 2- 1+ 1- 2+ 2- bottom left bottom right OUT 2 1+ 1- 2+ 2- 1+ 1- 2+ 2- OUT 3 OUT 4 LA4X owner's manual (EN) version 14.1...
  • Page 23 (IEC 60958 Type II). Each LINK connector is electronically buffered to allow daisy-chaining any number of amplied controllers. It also features a failsafe relay to ensure wiring continuity in case of amplied controller shutdown. LA4X owner's manual (EN) version 14.1...

  • Page 24: Analog Audio

    Installation L-NET panel The two etherCON connectors are for the remote control of LA4X over an Ethernet network called L-NET using LA Network Manager. Each of the two etherCON connectors can be equally used as an IN or a LINK connector.

  • Page 25: Digital Audio

    Ethernet ports of different capabilities, creating detection issues in LA Network Manager. To connect LA4X to L-NET in a daisy-chain, star or hybrid topology, use the etherCON connectors on the L-NET panel. Refer to the LA Network Manager Help for network setup.

  • Page 26: Avb

    • LA4X amplied controllers with HARDWARE INFO ID4 or higher (in MONITORING & INFO menu) support AVB. To connect LA4X to an AVB network or use LA4X to create an AVB network, use the etherCON connectors on the rear panel.

  • Page 27: Operation

    An amplied controller in standby mode displays Standby mode and its POWER LED is lit in orange. Standby mode can also be cancelled from the amplied controller front panel by pushing and holding the encoder wheel for one second. LA4X owner's manual (EN) version 14.1...

  • Page 28: Interpreting The Front Panel Leds

    The STATUS LED on the front panel displays the state of the amplied controller. • green: when the LA4X operates normally • red: during rmware update or when a fault is detected in the LA4X circuitry, indicating a protection system is active. Refer to Error messages (p.64)

  • Page 29: Meters

    LOAD green: a load is connected and the output module delivers a minimum of 0.8 A The four OUT LEDs on the front panel display the mute status. • white: when the corresponding output channel is muted • off: when the corresponding output channel is unmuted LA4X owner's manual (EN) version 14.1...

  • Page 30: Main Screen Description

    D: IN D C+: sum of IN C and IN D (C+D) C-: difference between IN C and IN D (C-D) X: sum of IN A, IN B, IN C and IN D (A+B+C+D) LA4X owner's manual (EN) version 14.1...

  • Page 31: Using Quick Access Functions

    • The OUT2 key displays gain for OUT2, OUT3 and OUT4 (containing IN B) • The OUT3 and OUT4 keys display all channels (containing IN A and/or IN B) For individual gain settings, refer to section PRESET PARAMETERS (p.38). LA4X owner's manual (EN) version 14.1...

  • Page 32: Identifying An AmpliEd Controller

    On the Workspace of LA Network Manager, the amplied controller blinks in yellow. On the amplied controller, the L-NET and OUT LEDs ashes and the screen displays IDENTIFICATION and the complete IP. IDENTIFICATION 192.168. 1.110 LA4X owner's manual (EN) version 14.1...

  • Page 33: Displaying Input Level, Input Selection, Input Mode And Group Information

    ANALOG signals. Input mode cannot be different between IN A and IN B or between IN C and IN D (3). • Channels OUT1 and OUT2 are assigned to the same set of groups, OUT3 is not assigned to any group, and OUT4 is assigned to group All (4). LA4X owner's manual (EN) version 14.1...

  • Page 34: Using The Main Menu

    A page is selected when it is displayed on the top line of the screen. 3. Press the OK key or the encoder wheel to enter the page. To return to the main screen, press the ESC key. LA4X owner's manual (EN) version 14.1...

  • Page 35: Load Preset

    1 to 10 (read and write) User presets stored by user — refer to STORE PRESET (p.37) LOAD PRESET FACTORY 11 to 199 (read only) Factory preset library created by L-Acoustics and automatically installed during rmware update (refer to the LA Network Manager Help) LA4X owner's manual (EN) version 14.1...
  • Page 36 L-NET network. Press the ESC key twice to cancel. LA4X owner's manual (EN) version 14.1...

  • Page 37: Store Preset

    rst character. 5. Press the OK key to validate the name. The controller displays OVERWRITE?, when the selected memory space is not empty. Press the OK key to overwrite (or the ESC key to cancel). LA4X owner's manual (EN) version 14.1...

  • Page 38: Delete Preset

    Delay is adjustable from 0 to 1000 ms — see also section DELAY UNIT (p.52). Total delay The total delay includes all group delays (set in LA Network Manager) and the output channel delay. Total delay cannot exceed 1000 ms. LA4X owner's manual (EN) version 14.1...
  • Page 39 Press and turn the encoder wheel for coarse resolution (second to last digit). 5. Release the output key. 6. Repeat steps 3 to 5 for each output channel or channel set. 7. Repeat steps 2 to 5 for each preset parameters. Preset parameter modications apply immediately. LA4X owner's manual (EN) version 14.1...

  • Page 40: Clear Group Params

    LA Network Manager (in standalone mode), and when the amplied controller is shut down or restarted. Group parameters are not preset-dependent and remain active when a different preset is loaded. Therefore, L-Acoustics recommends to clear group parameters when an amplied controller is used in standalone mode after being used within a network.

  • Page 41: Input Settings

    ‽AVB STREAM MAPPING ‼※ • LA4X amplied controllers with HARDWARE INFO ID1, ID2 or ID3 (in MONITORING & INFO menu) do not support AVB. These Units can be upgraded to support AVB by purchasing and installing KR LA4XDSP2. ‽XLR AB INPUT MODE ‼※...
  • Page 42 • The input source on the amplied controller is selected as XLR or FBACK XLR: select AVB to set the media clock. • Non-Avnu certied devices on the network are disrupting the media clock synchronization: preferably use Avnu-certied devices. LOCKED and the Processing audio stream data. sampling frequency LA4X owner's manual (EN) version 14.1...
  • Page 43 LOCKED 96k Procedure 1. From the ABCD INPUT SOURCE menu, press the OK key. 2. Turn the encoder wheel to select the input mode. 3. Press the OK key or the encoder wheel to validate. LA4X owner's manual (EN) version 14.1...
  • Page 44 ‾INPUT MODE AB ‼※ ‾INPUT MODE AB ‼※ AES/EBU LOCKED-WARN FALLBACK(CD)LOCKED-WARN ‾INPUT MODE AB ‼※ ‾INPUT MODE AB ‼※ AES/EBU UNLOCKED FALLBACK(CD) UNLOCKED ‾INPUT MODE AB ‼※ ‾INPUT MODE AB ‼※ FALLBACK(CD) INVALID AES/EBU INVALID LA4X owner's manual (EN) version 14.1...
  • Page 45 AVB FALLBACK MODE Sound cuts in case of failure of the AVB input source can be avoided with the AVB fallback option on compatible LA4X. When the automatic fallback is on (AVB > XLR), the amplied controller automatically switches to the XLR input sources in case of loss of the LOCKED status on the AVB stream.
  • Page 46 6. Press the OK key or the encoder wheel to validate. AES/EBU & AVB GAIN AES/EBU & AVB GAIN (on LA4X supporting AVB) / AES/EBU GAIN (on LA4X not supporting AVB) must be used when: • the AES AB fallback mode is enabled •...
  • Page 47 5. Turn the encoder wheel to select an input value. Setting applies in real-time. Turn the encoder wheel for steps of 0.1 dB. Press and turn the encoder wheel for steps of 1 dB. 6. Release the key. LA4X owner's manual (EN) version 14.1...
  • Page 48 Operation AVB STREAM MAPPING Compatible LA4X amplied controllers can retrieve four channels from an AVB stream containing up to eight channels. Use AVB STREAM MAPPING to select the channel numbers to be retrieved for each input channel. ‽AVB STREAM MAPPING ‼※...

  • Page 49: Monitoring & Info

    ‾SPK HANDLING (%) ‼ For example in this illustration, the RMS voltage of channels OUT 1 to OUT 4 is respectively 12, 10, 13, and 11% of the maximum values. LA4X owner's manual (EN) version 14.1...
  • Page 50 ETHERNET LINKS displays the current status of the link of each Ethernet port. This function is only available on LA4X with 1 Gbit/s Ethernet ports. Refer to the Networking and control of LA4X with 1 Gbit/s Ethernet ports technical bulletin for more information.
  • Page 51 For example, in this illustration, the MAC address is 00:1B:92:01:90:3A. HARDWARE INFO HARDWARE INFO displays the version of the hardware in use in the amplied controller. For troubleshooting purposes, it can be useful to communicate this number to the L-Acoustics representative. ‽HARDWARE INFO ‼...

  • Page 52: Options

    2. Press the OK key or the encoder wheel to validate. 3. Turn the encoder wheel to select DELAY UNIT. 4. Press the OK key or the encoder wheel to validate. 5. Turn the encoder wheel to select the value. LA4X owner's manual (EN) version 14.1...
  • Page 53 4. Press the OK key or the encoder wheel to validate. 5. Turn the encoder wheel to select the value (OFF, LOW, MEDIUM, NORMAL or SUNLIGHT). 6. Press the OK key or the encoder wheel to validate. LA4X owner's manual (EN) version 14.1...
  • Page 54 In case of a cable or switch failure in the network, the protocol can re-enable these ports to restore connectivity. • LA4X amplied controllers with HARDWARE INFO ID1, ID2 or ID3 (in MONITORING & INFO menu) do not support AVB. These Units can be upgraded to support AVB by purchasing and installing KR LA4XDSP2.

  • Page 55: Ip Settings

    By convention, the rst possible number of the host address is reserved to designate the subnet, and the last number is reserved to communicate with all devices of the subnet (IP broadcast address). The factory default IP settings of all L-Acoustics devices are: • IP address: 192.168.1.100 •...
  • Page 56 Refer to the LA Network Manager Help (in User guide > General). e) In LA Network Manager: 1. Click the L-Acoustics logo and select Options. 2. Enter the corresponding values in IP Range to scan for L-NET. Values for the rst byte (rst number) are restricted to Private Local Area Network prexes: 10, 100, 169, 172, and 192.
  • Page 57 6. Press the OK key or the encoder wheel to apply, or press the ESC key to cancel. 7. On the computer hosting LA Network Manager, congure the same Subnet mask. Refer to the LA Network Manager Help (in User guide > General). LA4X owner's manual (EN) version 14.1...
  • Page 58 4. Long-press the OUT key under a byte to select it. 5. Turn the encoder wheel to select a value for the selected byte. 6. Press the OK key or the encoder wheel to apply, or the ESC key to cancel. LA4X owner's manual (EN) version 14.1...

  • Page 59: Settings Protection

    • Press the ESC key to cancel. • PIN code protected settings: • Screen display ENTER PIN. • Enter the PIN code to temporarily bypass the protection or press the ESC key to cancel. ACCESS ENTER PIN: LOCKED LA4X owner's manual (EN) version 14.1...
  • Page 60 5. Press the OK key or the encoder wheel to validate. If the controller returns to the ENTER PIN screen, the entered PIN code is wrong. Repeat step 1 to 5 with the right PIN code, or press the ESC key to cancel. LA4X owner's manual (EN) version 14.1...

  • Page 61: Corrective Maintenance

    These checks allow to detect an issue. The preventive maintenance must be performed regularly. Equipment and tools Tools name reference distributor Set of 6-point 1/4'' sockets R.360NANO FACOM Torque screwdriver (0.2 N.m - 3 N.m) 3 mm slotted screwdriver AEF.3X75 FACOM LA4X owner's manual (EN) version 14.1...

  • Page 62: Troubleshooting And Diagnosis

    Put the controller in a non-condensing environment and condensing humidity wait until dry. • Power off and on again. • Check if LA Network Manager detects the amplied start-up / rmware issue controller. • Update the rmware. other causes Contact L-Acoustics. LA4X owner's manual (EN) version 14.1...

  • Page 63: L-Net Network Issues

    Replace any damaged CAT5e U/FTP cable in the network L-NET cable is damaged chain. more than two software clients are already connected to Disconnect all other software clients. the amplied controller rmware failure Restart the amplied controller. other causes Contact L-Acoustics. LA4X owner's manual (EN) version 14.1...

  • Page 64: Error Messages

    The channel is muted. The channel is automatically unmuted when the issue is solved. If the error persists after disconnecting all cables and rebooting, the controller must be sent to an L-Acoustics representative for maintenance. Network message...
  • Page 65 L-NET cable is in working order and is correctly plugged on both ends, and relaunch the update process. If the issue persists, contact L-Acoustics. Displayed if temperature at an output channel is above 60° C. The signal delivered...

  • Page 66: Sound Issues

    Replace the loudspeaker cable. loudspeaker is damaged If only one loudspeaker is connected, inspect it. other causes Contact L-Acoustics. LA4X owner's manual (EN) version 14.1...
  • Page 67 Contact L-Acoustics. sound only available in one input mode and not the other sound only available in AES/EBU and not in analog, or sound only available in analog and not in AES/EBU • Contact L-Acoustics. LA4X owner's manual (EN) version 14.1...

  • Page 68: Exploded View

    In the exploded view, each assembly corresponds to a D/R procedure and the necessary repair kit(s). External modules rear brackets KR LABRACKET side brackets KR LA4XEQUAV grill and foam filter KR LA4XGRI KR LA4XMOU front handles G03255 LA4X owner's manual (EN) version 14.1...

  • Page 69: Disassembly And Reassembly Procedures

    KR grill LA4X / LA12X ×1 ×1 1339 1338 LA4X and LA12X grill LA4X and LA12X foam lter Exploded view To clean the foam lter, use mild dishwashing detergent or soap then dry it. LA4X owner's manual (EN) version 14.1...

  • Page 70: D/R - Side Bracket

    Corrective maintenance D/R - Side bracket Tools • torque screwdriver • T10 Torx bit Repair kit KR LA4XEQUAV LA4X 2 front L-bracket ×2 ×8 1325 S209 side bracket M4x10 Torx Exploded view 1 N.m LA4X owner's manual (EN) version 14.1...

  • Page 71: D/R - Rear Bracket

    Corrective maintenance D/R - Rear bracket Repair kit KR LABRACKET Kit rear brackets LA4/LA4X/LA8/LA12X ×2 1362 amplied controller rear bracket Exploded view LA4X owner's manual (EN) version 14.1...

  • Page 72: D/R - Front Handles

    Side bracket (p.70). Exploded view Front handles can only be mounted on compatible front structure. To upgrade an amplied controller with a non-compatible front structure, contact the L-Acoustics representative. Self-drilling screws For safety reasons, always reassemble new front handles. 1 N.m...

  • Page 73: SpeciCations

    > 0.9 (4 Ω full power) Mains rating 100 V AC - 240 V AC ~ ± 10%, 50 Hz - 60 Hz Operating conditions Temperature room temperature (0 °C / 32 °F to 50 °C / 122 °F LA4X owner's manual (EN) version 14.1...

  • Page 74: Input Signal Distribution

    Neutrik are registered trademarks of Neutrik AG. Analog input Input impedance 22 kΩ (balanced) Maximum input level 22 dBu (balanced, THD 1%) A/D conversion 4 cascaded 24-bit analog/digital converters (128 dB dynamic range) LA4X owner's manual (EN) version 14.1...

  • Page 75: Digital Input

    Range -12 dB to 12 dB Steps 0.1 dB Latency Analog and AES/EBU In standard operating mode 3.84 ms (independent from input Fs) In low latency operating mode 0.84 ms (independent from input Fs) LA4X owner's manual (EN) version 14.1...

  • Page 76: Avb

    Specications • LA4X amplied controllers with HARDWARE INFO ID1, ID2 or ID3 (in MONITORING & INFO menu) do not support AVB. These Units can be upgraded to support AVB by purchasing and installing KR LA4XDSP2. • LA4X amplied controllers with HARDWARE INFO ID4 or higher (in MONITORING & INFO menu) support AVB.

  • Page 77: Physical Data

    LINK C&D ANALOG IN D LINK D OUT 2 OUT 4 ANALOG IN C LINK C 1+ 1- 1+ 1- 420 mm / 16.5 in 16 mm / 0.63 in 434 mm / 17 in LA4X owner's manual (EN) version 14.1...

  • Page 78: Appendix A - Glossary

    An emergency stream has been connected and reclaimed the bandwidth that rank was used by the Unit stream. • Wait until the emergency stream is disconnected (bandwidth is automatically reallocated). • Try the resolutions of error 1. LA4X owner's manual (EN) version 14.1...
  • Page 79 Changed rst value for reg. A device on the network is behaving incorrectly. stream ID • Disconnect and reconnect the stream. • Reboot the talker. • Reboot the bridges on the path from the talker to the listener. LA4X owner's manual (EN) version 14.1...
  • Page 80 • Congure the bridges to enable VLAN tagging of the egress packets. SR class priority mismatch A wrongly congured AVB bridge is present in the network. • congure all the bridges with the same setting (default is 3 for Class A streams). LA4X owner's manual (EN) version 14.1...

  • Page 81: Appendix C - Approvals

    Approvals Approvals LA4X owner's manual (EN) version 14.1...
  • Page 82 Approvals LA4X is certied with the following: S&E LA4X is compliant with the following: Avnu Alliance and the Avnu design mark are registered trademarks and/or service marks of Avnu Alliance. LA4X owner's manual (EN) version 14.1...
  • Page 83 L-Acoustics 13 rue Levacher Cintrat - 91460 Marcoussis - France +33 1 69 63 69 63 - info@l-acoustics.com www.l-acoustics.com...

Table of Contents

Save PDF